Some Jets Reorganization May Be Afoot

As a sorry Jets season nears its conclusion, murmurs of some impending firings come as little surprise. The heat seems to be off Rex Ryan for the time being, but those above and below may be in peril.

While we learned recently that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine turned down a contract extension, offensive coordinator Tony Sparano's firing is considered likely. Given the Jets' offensive regression and persistent nonsense this season, that shocks nobody, but Brian Costello of the Postwonders if Sparano's contract status will save him from getting canned:

People around the league seem certain the Jets will part ways with offensive coordinator Tony Sparano after the season.

But here’s something that could work in his favor — he has two years left on his contract, according to a source. The financial terms of his deal have never surfaced, so it is tough to assess how much of a hit it would be to dump him. The Jets also could still be paying former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was under contract through 2013, although it is possible the team paid him a lump sum when he left after last year.

The Jets have quietly begun to reach out to potential candidates, including Houston Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan, CBS Sports reported Monday. A league source confirmed the Jets have sent out feelers.

Tannenbaum, who has two years remaining on his contract, has come under fire in recent weeks as the season has unraveled. Tannenbaum is well regarded by owner Woody Johnson in the area of cap management, and Johnson would like to retain him in that role, the CBS Sports report said.

One wonders if a mere demotion instead of a firing would make for a situation too awkward to function, especially for the new GM (Like, "hey, new girlfriend, this is my ex. Yeah, we don't really date anymore but I keep her around to do crosswords with me because she's really good at those"). One also wonders if Tannenbaum's presumed financial expertise would even really warrant such treatment. Then one just remembers the Jets are the Jets and sits back to see what might happen. In all likelihood, none of these rumors will reach fruition until after that final game is played and this season reaches its merciful conclusion.